McGill University Using Scabs, Report States

MONTREAL, Sept. 26, 2011 /CNW Telbec/ - A report from a Ministry of Labour investigation filed today states that McGill University is using scabs to do the work of striking support staff.

According to Jérôme Turcq, Regional Executive Vice-President of the Public Service Alliance of Canada in Québec (PSAC-Québec), the union is shocked by the immoral action taken by this internationally renowned institution. "Shame on McGill! Instead of trying to circumvent the Labour Code, the University should be striving to negotiate a fair collective agreement with its employees."

Support staff at McGill University has been on strike since September 1st. Workers are demanding parity with other Montreal universities, including a fair wage scale and control of their pension and benefits plan.

"Over the next few days, we will be requesting a ruling from the Commission des relations de travail on this report in order to ensure compliance with the law," added Kevin Whittaker, President of McGill University Non-Academic Certified Association (MUNACA).

PSAC represents over 178,000 workers across Canada. A QFL affiliate, PSAC-Québec represents over 40,000 workers throughout the federal public sector, the private sector and Quebec universities, including 1,700 non-academic workers who are members of MUNACA.

For further information:

Patrick Leblanc, political attaché, PSAC-Québec, 514-706-5997, [e-mail]